Internship Spotlight II {Spring 2017}

Andrew Ramirez, Olivet Nazarene University

Andrew is pursuing his passion for federal law enforcement with an internship at the U.S. Department of Treasury.

I have the honor of interning in the Office of Enterprise Business Solutions (EBS) at the U.S. Department of Treasury. This office deals with the creation of website products, development, and data analytics. Because of the sensitive nature of my work, I actually can’t share specific details about it with anyone outside of my department! But I can say this— I am learning how to balance a serious workload and how to perform under the pressure of the professional world. Two highlights of my internship have been: First, I get to regularly meet with high-ranking officials from all across the Treasury, including individuals in financial crimes and terrorism; I even met the Secretary of the Treasury and shook his hand! Second, as an intern at the Treasury Department, I have access to the Main Treasury building which means I get to walk the historic golden hall where Hamilton once walked (presumably) and I get to be surrounded everyday by the amazing history of our country at work. And if those weren’t enough, I also have access to the west side of the White House and can walk that side of the lawn in the morning before work!

Mariana Diaz, Fresno Pacific University

This semester, I am interning at the National Immigration Forum. The Forum advocates for the value of immigrants and immigration to our nation. Their work is centered on immigration reform, integration and citizenship, and state and local developments. I specifically work with the Fields and Constituencies team, where we analyze how immigration is taking place around the country. For our weekly newsletters, I research stories of immigrants who are being affected by the recent executive orders. In addition, I am in charge of posting to the Twitter account of G92, an initiative to inform college-age students and young adults about immigration. I also attend meetings with our partners and briefings on the Hill. My tasks vary every day and I am always learning. I am very thankful for this experience and it has definitely reassured me that advocacy in immigration is a career I want to pursue.

Randy Lohman, Messiah College

Randy stands with his member, Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) in the Rayburn House Office Building.

I have the amazing opportunity of interning in the office of Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11). I am experiencing first-hand the daily operations of a Congressional office. On a regular basis, I work on projects for staff members, communicate with our constituents, and attend hearings—one I specifically enjoyed was a subcommittee hearing on religious liberty. I have also been trained to lead constituents on tours of the Capitol building. One time, during a tour, I was able to see Vice President Mike Pence walk through the Capitol on his way to a luncheon. Every day, I work with the staffers of Congressman Barletta’s office to help make the office operate smoothly so that we can best serve our constituents.